The Senators carry a glimmer of optimism into their home game tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks, sporting a 2-0-1 record in 2018 with a couple of impressive wins in back to back outings against the Sharks and league leading Lightning.
Whether that pilot light of optimism gets some more fuel or gets snuffed out for good will depend on how the Senators react over the next couple of days, another set of back to backs heading into their bye week. Not because they are all important matchups, but because their entire season has been a case of one step forward, two steps back and if they can't shake that trend, there is no hope.
The Blackhawks come to town in the midst of a playoff race of their own, currently sitting in a pack of 5 teams either tied with or just a point behind the final Wild Card spot occupied currently by the Colorado Avalanche.
The Hawks are coming of a 4-1 win over the Oilers before embarking on this quick 1 game road trip before starting a 6 game homestand.
It would be fitting for the Blackhawks to start Jeff Glass in tonight's game, because the former Senators prospect never got a chance to play in the city where he was drafted, and toiled in the minors and the KHL for 12 pro seasons before finally making his NHL debut with the Hawks December 29th. He has played in 4 of Chicago's 5 games since his recall, going 2-1-1 in those games. (Update: Glass will not start, as the Hawks have given the nod to Anton Forsberg)
Craig Anderson will get the start for the Senators, who could have a patchwork lineup with Matt Duchene, Derick Brassard, Cody Ceci and Johnny Oduya all either sick or nursing injuries. Duchene did not skate this morning, while Brassard and Ceci did, and Oduya started the skate but left early.
It is possible, but unlikely that Mark Borowiecki could make his return to the lineup after being out with a concussion since November 19th. It is more likely that he will wait until after the bye week to come back, but that may change depending on the status of Oduya and/or Ceci.